Immigration Bill Does NOT include Gay couples, Is this really necessary?

So among the joy of the New Immigration bill coming to pass, there has been a dark cloud cast upon it now as some realize that Gay couples who are illegal immigrants are not included. And if the GOP would have their way, it would be an unnamed group who wasn’t mentioned in the quest. Well here is the positive side, there is recognition now and it is possible that the Gay community will get their way. Rightfully so. I’m all for Gay rights. However, in the process off writing this story I was asked a simple question. ” How would anyone know if the immigrant was gay or not?” Well, isn’t that a valid question? I’m thinking that it is the question that will come across plenty of minds when they read this story. So how do we answer this? Honestly, and with a little bit of my opinion, since I know that you as my readers value it so much.

Here is the story, and then stay tuned for my thoughts. …

An 844-page bill introduced in the Senate in mid-April by a bipartisan group of eight lawmakers includes measures to make legal immigration easier for highly skilled immigrants, migrant farmworkers and those living here illegally. It has no provisions that would help foreigners who are same-sex partners of American citizens to become legal permanent residents.

Gay advocates were sharply disappointed to find that same-sex couples were excluded from the legislation, since the Democrats who wrote it included two of their most consistent champions, Senators Charles E. Schumer of New York and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the second highest-ranking Senate Democrat. Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont, the Democrat who is chairman of the Judiciary Committee, where the bill is under consideration, has offered, since as far back as 2003, a separate measure that would allow immigrants in long-term same-sex relationships to obtain residency with a green card.

But in the lengthy closed-door negotiations that produced the overhaul proposal, the four Republicans in the bipartisan group made it clear early on that they did not want to include such a hot-button issue in a bill that would be a challenge to sell to their party even without it, according to Senate staff members. The Republicans are Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Jeff Flake and John McCain of Arizona, and Marco Rubio of Florida.

Many Republicans in both houses of Congress oppose any recognition of same-sex unions.

Now, with the immigration bill scheduled to advance next week toward a vote in the Judiciary Committee, Democrats are in a quandary about whether to offer an amendment that would give green cards to same-sex partners.

Republican sponsors of the overhaul warned on Tuesday that such an amendment would sink the entire measure.

“There’s a reason this language wasn’t included in the Gang of Eight’s bill: It’s a deal-breaker for most Republicans,” Senator Flake said. “Finding consensus on immigration legislation is tough enough without opening the bill up to social issues.”

Under existing immigration law, it is generally a quick and straightforward process when an American citizen seeks a green card for a foreign-born spouse in a traditional marriage.

But under a 1996 federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, Americans cannot apply for green cards for foreign spouses of the same sex. In addition, the immigration code does not recognize same-sex partners.

Last Wednesday, about 40 gay and lesbian families from 27 states fanned out across Capitol Hill in a lobbying blitz, hoping to show lawmakers why they cared about the issue.

“I was troubled to hear hesitation from Senate Democrats,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, a gay rights group that organized the Washington visits. “When Democrats are falling over one another to say how they support marriage equality, why are they abandoning gay families when actual legislation is on the table?”

Among those knocking on doors in Washington were Ness Madeiros, 35, and her wife, Ginger, 37, who traveled from their home in Minneapolis with their 8-month-old son, Jamie, in tow.

“He was the most amazing tiny little lobbyist,” Ness Madeiros said in an interview together with Ginger. “He did not cry for 10 hours, and we cried in every meeting.”

Ness, an immigrant from Bermuda, said she had lived in the United States on and off for more than a decade, always with legal, but temporary, immigration documents. She said she met Ginger, an American citizen, in 2006 when they were both working at a boarding school in Massachusetts. They were legally married there in 2008.

Shortly after, an effort to obtain a permanent green card for Ness through an employer failed. Ness left for Bermuda, where she remained for two years, the couple said. In 2010 she returned here on a student visa to live with Ginger in Minnesota and study for a master’s degree in psychology.

Without a permanent green card, Ness cannot officially adopt Jamie or share ownership of the house where they live. Her visa is about to expire, the couple said.

“It’s a pretty scary situation for us,” Ginger said. “If something were to happen to me, what is Ness left with?”

Senator Leahy’s bill does not seek to legalize gay marriage. Instead, it would allow an American citizen to petition for a green card for a “permanent partner.” Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican, is a co-sponsor of that bill. “Our legislation would simply update our nation’s immigration laws to treat binational, same-sex permanent partners fairly,” she said on Tuesday.

She and Senate Democrats are looking to Mr. Leahy to decide whether to attach that measure as an amendment to the larger bill. He has not yet tipped his hand.

But in an interview Tuesday with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Senator Rubio was blunt in his assessment of the impact of any same-sex amendment. “This immigration bill is difficult enough as it is,” he said. “If that issue is injected into this bill, this bill will fail. It will not have the support. It will not have my support.”

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Ok so lets stop there with the Popular Marco Rubios comments. Is he genius or what?

Listen folks, while this bill is on the table, lets try to solve all possible angles of discrimination that we can. Or it will create an outcry. Which is exactly what we have now. My thoughts are of course, it is not really any ones business what your sexual orientation is. That is a personal life choice. Now please, don’t send me messages telling me that being gay isn’t a choice. That’s not what I’m referring to. I am referring to the fact that disclosure is YOUR choice. Most people cannot just look at someone and determine their sexual orientation. So basically, this doesn’t have to be an issue. But it will eventually come up.

Marco Rubio, what to say? … Idiot!! anyone? First of all Marco, your tiny little voice is NOT the only voice to be heard. We are merely hearing your voice right now because fools love to be heard. I must say it is unfortunate that this has to be included, because frankly, I’m getting tired of hearing, “We forgot about the Gays!!!” Its like ok, Americans have the right to bear arms. Must we include, “Oh and gay people too!” ??? Must we say, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that ALL men are created equal!” Oh and the Gays! All I’m asking is when does the lnclusion clause… if you will, end with the Gay community? Maybe there is a bigger picture. Maybe it is something that should have been addressed hundreds of years ago when writing the Constitution. Oh I forgot. America being founded on Freedom of religion forgot to include Gay people because god hates them!! I totally forgot about that minor detail. So basically every time congress agrees to sign a measure that would accept homosexuality, they are going against biblical principles.

Well, I’m Atheist, so that is just fine with me. Unfortunately I make up a small percentage, so the likes of Marco Rubio will be heard throughout the land.

Phone Jammers, why they may seem cool, but can cause major Panic

Stories have broken across the nation about this device that seems to be such a wonder to many folks out there who want to silence their fellow passengers on the bus, or any public place where noisy phone chatters may be present. Obviously, who hasn’t heard Taneisha on the phone with her girlfriend LaQuanda talking about her no good baby daddy? This inconsiderate chick has no idea that her entire conversation is being heard by the masses, and she doesn’t care. 

Who hasn’t heard the charming male talking to his latest conquest about how he’d like to make her feel good and how much he misses his boo? We’ve all been there. Or we can’t forget the elderly, and their conversation consists of a billion, “Can you hear me now????” repeatedly. Apparently, they cannot hear each other. What a shame! Unfortunately, we can. So you’re thinking, what if this loud mouth passenger is sitting next to you? What if you had the power to silence this inconsiderate jerk? Would you? You might just do that. Now yes it is illegal to do it, but it may be well worth the risk for some of you.

 Here’s the other side to this story. 

Imagine you’re a woman, and you have a hot date that was planned with this sexy guy. You have been planning to see him all week. You got your purse packed, you got your condoms, you got your girlie necessities, and you got your cell phone. Your date picks you up and you wave good bye to your friends and smile as you drive off. You take your cell phone out your purse only to discover that is has no cells. Matter of fact, it is DEAD. Every time you attempt to turn it on, it just slowly powers off. You attempt to make a phone call and the reception is bad and the calls won’t go through. You slowly glance over at your date and he seems confident and hardly notices you fidgeting with your phone, because he is focused on getting you two to your destination. You start to think, I know for sure that I charged this phone for several hours before I left. You even double checked to ensure that this phone was fully charged before you got into the car. 

However, now you aren’t so sure. He is quiet this evening, not a care in the world and yet, you are in a panicked state. So you comment to him and say, “What is going on with my cell phone???” He replies, “you know how crazy these cell phones can be.” Hmmmm, you think. No biggie… let’s think about the possibilities for your evening with prince charming. 

 

You have a problem. If the person who is on the bus can use one of these products to actually keep you from calling for help in the event of an emergency, and from calling your friends and family, Literally, if you have ever fallen prey to one of these devices you will recognize it. At Target, they have some sort of device that keeps consumers from making calls when they are in a certain part of the store. And a date with bad intentions could leave a lady stranded with no way to call home and if her date flips out on her, she has no way to call 911. You’ve been warned. 

James Holmes purchased 6,000 rounds…once again, do we need stiffer gun laws?

Ok, so we arrive at this topic again. I am going to keep it short and sweet. DO WE NEED TO CONTROL THE AMOUNT OF AMMUNITION THAT AN INDIVIDUAL CAN PURCHASE IN THE UNITED STATES? 

OR…do we need to take Colorado off the map?

James Holmes

Since no one wants to talk about gun control…can we talk about ammunition? We’ve been here before and I keep saying the same thing, regardless of how many mass murders we have, nothing has changed. So is it time? James Holmes purchased over 6,000 rounds of ammo online, with NO QUESTION. Is this domestic terror?

Since when is it necessary for anyone to have to purchase this much?

This young man with a promising future went into a theater and killed at least 12 people and injured dozens and no one wants to talk about our gun laws? In Florida, the story of Andrew Scott rings in my ear because he was shot because of mistaken identity…for the simple fact that he answered his door with a weapon. Gun control…people are too trigger happy and if the LAWmaker/enforcer isn’t following protocol, then why should the citizens? I agree with the right to bear arms for EACH law abiding American, however, something is terribly wrong when there is NO REGULATION.

Is America willing to deny everyone?

Here is another point. His mother knew what her son was and her chilling statement says it all. “You have the right person.” Perhaps there is NOTHING to be done at all. His background was spotless and he had great potential…whats the problem? HIM!

Why Atheism is the best choice.

The best thing to happen in my life is when I made a conscience choice to be Atheist. Now what I had not realized is that I was ALWAYS an Atheist, but just didn’t have the heart to tell god No! There is always that part of your life where you begin to question the things around you that don’t make sense. It is amazing what you will discover about yourself once you start listening to the voices inside your head. See people tell you all the time that the voices in your head are crazy, but in reality, that’s just truly your mind and the  way you view life. Now if your voice is telling you to explore your fetish of sucking baby toes, then you got a problem. Seriously…you do.

We talk about the voice of god, but I wanna tell you this. The voice of god is nothing more than your split personality telling you something that the weaker side of you can’t handle. It’s truly an alter ego. Jekyll and Hyde if you will. Most people who are religious have a desperate need to be this way. It is their crutch because they cannot handle their lives the way it is, so they need the strong ego of their mind to intervene and make things right. We should call this god. It has rule of their life, it controls the destination and it controls the outcome and the person who uses god is forced to act as a child and say that this is their imaginary friend. Now why when a child comes to a parent with a new “friend” who no one sees but them, we freak out and say, “Ooh no!” However, so much of the worlds population believes in an imaginary person whom they have NEVER SEEN!

Let me explain why NOTHING else mattered in life before Atheism. Religion had me so bound and gagged and I wasn’t able to accomplish anything.There was this constant inferiority complex that I carried around. There was nothing that could soothe me, with the exception of the bible…or so I thought. But even that provided little comfort. I didn’t’ trust anyone, and I exercised ABSOLUTELY NO STRENGTH OF MY OWN. Well let me tell you how the other day I looked around and said wait a minute…

No one is watching over me?
No one is going to answer my prayers?
No one was there in 1999? ( fill in your own dates)
Giving does not bring me closer to god?
Ive been doing this all on my own?
I love me and that’s all that matters?
There is NO VENGEANCE FROM GOD!?! (This one pissed me off the most) and the list goes on. You can tell me yours in the comments section.

For anyone who was once a christian or practiced any organized religion, its amazing what you discover when the truth comes out. It’s depressing, disgusting and I felt raped and violated. I was so angry, because it felt like I had been in the movie with Michael Douglas called “The Game” problem is…this was no game, this was my life/is my life and someone toyed with me and mine. That is a tough pill to swallow.

What I love about being Atheist…and Atheist living…

The best thing to happen in my life is when I made a conscience choice to be Atheist. Now what I had not realized is that I was ALWAYS an Atheist, but just didn’t have the heart to tell god No! There is always that part of your life where you begin to question the things around you that don’t make sense. It is amazing what you will discover about yourself once you start listening to the voices inside your head. See people tell you all the time that the voices in your head are crazy, but in reality, that’s just truly your mind and the way you view life. Now if your voice is telling you to explore your fetish of sucking baby toes, then you got a problem. Seriously…you do.

We talk about the voice of god, but I wanna tell you this. The voice of god is nothing more than your split personality telling you something that the weaker side of you can’t handle. It’s truly an alter ego. Jekyll and Hyde if you will. Most people who are religious have a desperate need to be this way. It is their crutch because they cannot handle their lives the way it is, so they need the strong ego of their mind to intervene and make things right. We should call this god. It has rule of their life, it controls the destination and it controls the outcome and the person who uses god is forced to act as a child and say that this is their imaginary friend. Now why when a child comes to a parent with a new “friend” who no one sees but them, we freak out and say, “Ooh no!” However, so much of the worlds population believes in an imaginary person whom they have NEVER SEEN!

Being Atheist holds one accountable to their own life. It leaves one to make all decisions and to face consequences if necessary for choices made. It makes one a critical thinker. It makes one accept their lives and their arrangements with an open mind and rediscover what it is that interests them. There is no set rule to follow. Now this, people have a problem with. Why?? Because they like the idea of rules, and usually these people are NOT self starters. They wait for everyone to initiate everything for them and they sit idly by waiting for the outcome. If the outcome isn’t whats expected, they can blame god and say, “it wasn’t gods will.” My number one reason for becoming open with Atheism is, I grew tired of making excuses for why god didn’t come through. Either this god was gonna be powerful and show himself faithful, or he was going to be a no show. Well, too many no shows and you’re fired.

The Minnesota, Saint Paul (S) Aints…sponsoring a night of Atheist supporters.

I actually chose this story. being the Atheist that I am, wanted to share it with my readers. It’s interesting how we form opinions of each other without knowledge of the truth. It’s unfortunate that people still look at Atheist as if they are devil worshippers. The problem? We DO NOT BELIEVE IN gOD! So since we don’t believe in god then it’s impossible to believe in some satan character. 

 

 

This is a good thing and it brings awareness to all that we exist.

Minor league Saints hosting a night for Atheist. For one day next month, the St. Paul Saints minor league baseball team will become the Aints.

The Saints, known for off-the-wall promotions in the team’s 20-year history, will have a theme night on Aug. 10 titled “A Night of Unbelievable Fun,” sponsored by the Minnesota Atheists. While the team’s staff generates many of the Saints’ promotions and giveaways, several ideas come from outside sponsors.

This promotion fell into the second category, said Saints general manger Derek Sharrer.

“I think our message here and our brand of entertainment has always been one that’s been inclusive,” Sharrer said. “When we were approached by the Minnesota Atheists, we felt like it was within our nature to be inclusive and certainly work with them to provide them the opportunity to provide their message in the same way that we have worked with hundreds and hundreds of faith-based groups over our 20 years here in St. Paul.”

Target DOES NOT allow EBT/SNAP bottled water purchases!!!

So, let’s get this straight, they do NOT allow customers who are on the foodstamp program to use their cards to purchase bottled water? That is exactly correct. But why…when they allow EBT RECIPIENTS to purchase:

Candy, Cake, donuts, cookies, sugary cereal, processed foods, soda, all sorts of juices, kid snacks, icecream, frozen pizza,chips, etc…

So what’s the problem? Is it the Target Brand that they don’t want to sell that’s on the docket for todays blog or is it all bottled water? 

But seriously, why do they have a problem with customers purchasing water and have no problem with purchasing a bunch of fatty unhealthy shit!?! What is that about?  Are they locked in with the healthcare industry? I mean, to the point where whenever someone gets treatment for diabetes or high blood pressure, that they get a cut of it? They act like they have a vested interest in poor people not drinking water. 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/SNAP/retailers/eligible.htm

That is the link to tell you whats purchasable under the Welfare/Snap/EBT program.

My Dream Lover…come back to me

Stumbled upon the last place I saw you. I recall the moment my eyes left yours. The moment tore through my heart like a fierce storm. You were all I ever needed in my life and all I had desired. I asked about you, cause it had been a while, and I discovered that she was gone. My body sank into denial and became engrossed with fear. I think he’s alone now, I thought to my self, and it brought a smile to my face. Now my heart aches for the one you lost. Right now, I wanna be the one to hold you. Place your head on my shoulders and console you. But I can’t be there…I’m just your Dream Lover.

Signing up for this impossible task, nothing given, and not much to ask, was all my soul could bear. Crying every night, longing for your touch, dreaming that you could be there. Oh my Dream Lover, how I love you so, I want you to know, I have a selfish kinda love for you.

 

 

Because I waited such a time, for a moment like this, just didn’t think I’d see it so soon. It brings me to the point of no return, and makes my sky full of gloom. How do I say, Love me now without coming off so strong? How do I say, it’s my turn now, without coming out as wrong? I understand what you may have had with her and all the memories that you two possess, but it’s my turn to love you like no other, and lay those feelings to rest.

 

 

I will be here for you whenever you need and want me. Ive always told you that I’m yours. You never have to think of another man taking your place. I assure you baby, there is no more room. My nights are filled with you My Dream Lover…..

I wonder…

I wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me, or am I even in it’s mind at all. A song I recall when I think of you. So distant your heart and vacant your smile upon my face. My hands reach to you in the night but you’re not there.

My loneliness conquers my desire oftentimes and I’m left stagnant. Suppression is the buffet from which I eat upon on a clammy night as I lay in bed.

I thought I saw your face, I felt your breath on my neck as you left a sigh upon my ear, a deep anticipation of what’ s to come.
But the hour must be near and dear to me. Your name must be clear to me in order for me to thrive without you by my side. I have no other owner of my soul but you, my possessor. I wonder what tomorrow brings. I wonder…as I wander…

 

Ericka Courtney

Robert (R Kelly) ended his marriage because of the movie, “The Notebook”

It was a wonderful movie. And yes I cried as well. Even though I tried hard not to, it was virtually impossible. It’s not a surprise to find that Mr. Kelly cried as well as he strikes me as the sensitive type. Especially from all his songs, “believing he can fly” and stuff. Ok, so for the story, divorcing because he wants more romance? 

Wow, this one is quite interesting. I wonder what Robert knows about romance. Perhaps he’s just the typical man who THINKS that what Hollywood shows is actually true. One would have to believe in it in order to substantiate such a claim. Perhaps we’ve all been that naive at one time. So did he leave because of a movie or was it some other reason and he used the movie as a cop out? Romance isn’t something that you do, it’s who you are. It’s not something that you learn, it should be a part of your DNA.  Speaking about a man who has somewhat of a Don Juan personality, as Kelly shows from time to time, I’d say he sorta fits the bill. The problem with Kelly is his overall persona. Is he too perfect in his musical genius? 

I remember the days when his music was sex on tape. And when he revealed the other side of himself, it made me wonder if that was a part of him that lay dormant in his younger years. When he showed up on an award show and sang a song about a woman loves, unfortunately I can’t recall the title, but it was amazing. I think I watched it a few times and I’m NOT A FAN, but he was captivating. Had something changed? Is he looking for love? His original songs were about having a good time and enjoying yourself, kind of like club scene mantras. It was good stuff. But why love? And why now? Didn’t he love his wife? 

When a person says they want to go deeper and “find love and romance” the question for me is, what did you have before and what’s missing? Love is not something that is discovered, it just is. So I will tackle the romance aspect of it. How many relationships lack that certain spark? I can name a few, but is that enough to solidify a relationships growth or newness? 

Relationships start out with him buying flowers or doing little small gestures of kindness and it carries the relationship to another level. This blog is not coming out right! You ever attempt to write something and the more you write it, the less real it seems? I have no idea why I am dancing around this blog, ok I do know, but I can’t share it with you. I promised myself to not go personal with my blog.

Anyway, so many people (normally women) leave a relationship because they feel that the romance isn’t there anymore, actually, no one does this! Geesh! Frankly, I don’t blame him. Of course I would not want to be the woman who he was leaving. But is romance a two way street? Lets say you want to serenade a woman and upon your attempts, she shies away and acts like she is disinterested. We all have our way with relationships and our way of dealing with a partner, and when our gestures are being ignored or unappreciated, it can sting quite a bit. A man who is romantic, needs a woman who can receive his affections and vice versa. When a man meets a woman and he decides he wants to take her to a classy restaurant, he wants a woman who IS THAT RESTAURANT. Not some woman he has to clean up to BECOME that place. The same for a woman. No woman wants to have to CLEAN up her man in order to get him to join her. Women think that it is the mans responsibility to initiate all of the romance and they rarely use their skills to entice him. That’s gotta be a drag, especially when you’re ALWAYS the only one to light the candle and set the mood and the pace. OK, I’m done with this blog. You guys know how I am, if it’s too touchy, I won’t touch it. I really wanna lash into Robert, but for some reason, I just can’t. And it ain’t got nothing to do with god. I can relate to him on this one. Can’t you? I agree with him, if it’s not there, and you’re not being fulfilled, then move on and find happiness at whatever cost. Sounds cheesy yes, but it’s what I’ve told myself.

Here’s my point. You know I don’t write from a religious point of view. So all the scripture shit just doesn’t fly on my blog. I already know so many holier than thou religious folks will say his reasoning doesn’t constitute him leaving his wife, but ummm, yeah it does. If a man or woman is not happy in a relationship, then they should feel free to leave and love as they wish. Also, I want to say that the original story line read that, “R Kelly blames the notebook for his divorce.” but I don’t like that title. It should be said that He left his wife because he wanted more and upon watching that movie, he knew that he deserved better than what he had. Whats wrong with that? It’s not to say that his wife is a bad person or not caring, but what one feels deep inside themselves is something that can’t be faked. Either your partner and you do it for each other or you don’t.

Hopefully he finds what he is looking for and falls madly deeply in love with someone. Then perhaps I’d get to write about it. I can imagine what his music would be with his heart being fully immersed in someone. He is an amazing talent.